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What is the value of the determinant of an orthogonal matrix?

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1 or -1

Since QᵀQ = I for an orthogonal matrix Q, the square of its determinant must be 1. A determinant of 1 corresponds to a rotation, while -1 indicates a reflection (or improper rotation).

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  • What are the two possible values for the determinant of any orthogonal matrix?

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